My one and only comment on "taking the knee".

[RandySF]

I choose to stand for the National Anthem because I desperately want ONE thing in the country that transcends politics, but it goes without saying that I respect everyone's decision to do what they will. And to those who may say it's a distraction, my response is that a sitting president, has a powerful, and in this case malevolent, megaphone and we need to fight him at every turn or he will twist this country into something we don't recognize.

[unblock]

1. Right-wingers have been politicizing patriotic symbols for a long time

Most obviously, 1988, but that's hardly the only example.

Do what you like, but don't pretend you're solving anything by doing what they want you to do.

[Iggo]

3. Dude, that's funny.

Standing for the anthem is dissent?

[left-of-center2012]

4. I didn't say that.

But, I'll put you on ignore for thinking it.

Bye

[Iggo]

5. I win!

[billh58]

9. Nicely played.

Actually, it was a double win.

[Ms. Toad]

6. Worshiping of a piece of fabric and a song, and placing them above concern

for the well-being of everyone in the country they represent does not transcend politics. It hasn't since (at least) the 60s when I first started refusing to participate in the politicized worship of symbols.

[EffieBlack]

7. Playing the National Anthem at games is ALL about politics

It doesn't transcend politics. It IS politics.

[haveahart]

8. It more about nationalism.

[billh58]

10. The politics of the extreme

right-wing is nationalistic, and Orange Anus-mouth's base are KKK nationalists. Wrapping themselves in the flag to dispense hate, racism, and bigotry is an age-old Republican tactic.

[EffieBlack]

11. Which is very political